Ash is Keynote Music Collective’s publisher and Editor in chief. She manages an incredible team of 23 photographers, writers and interviewers.
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: My name is Ash and I am just your average southern metalhead, concert connoisseur and rebel with a cause. I love all things horror and traveling to haunted places. I am dog mom to 3 wild rescues, and I’m married to my best friend, who helps me run KMC.
Q: Is running KMC your full time job?
A: Unfortunately it’s not. My full time job is vastly different from photography and editorial work. Part of my full time job actually includes being a women’s self defense instructor and I love it just as much as what I do at KMC.
Q: How long have you been doing music photojournalism and how did you get your start?
A: Since October of 2021. I went to a concert in September of 2021 and met an awesome photographer, who is now a really close friend and she suggested I try my hand at music photography. Things just took off from there. I started working with local artists and promoters and built a decent portfolio. I spent every free moment working on my portfolio. I was then hired by a couple of national magazines and an international magazine which allowed me to get photo passes and shoot some phenomenal tours. After working with several other magazines I decided to start Keynote Music Collective in January of 2022.
Q: What do you like most about photojournalism?
A: I like that through my articles I can transport someone to another world. Whether that’s to a show they couldn’t attend or help them relive a show that they once enjoyed in person.
Q: What was the first show you photographed?
A: I actually reached out to a local artist by the name of Elijah Cruise and asked if he would allow me to shoot a show for him to build my portfolio and he surprisingly agreed!
Q: What has been your favorite KMC assignment?
A: That’s a tough one. But since since KMC is such a proponent for mental health advocacy I would have to say getting to cover Beartooth’s the Below II tour was pretty awesome. Caleb Shomo, celebrated his sobriety with the Nashville crowd and gave a hell of a speech about self love. I also really enjoyed getting to play tour photographer for the night with Palisades in addition to interviewing the guys. They were all the sweetest and it was definitely an experience I won’t forget.
Q: What has been your all time favorite assignment?
A: I’ve been lucky enough to shoot my favorite band, Ice Nine Kills, three times now and each time has been an incredible experience. The fact that I have been able to do a 3-part fictional based review series with them has been an absolute dream.
Q: Dream band to photograph?
A: I’ve crossed quite a few bands off of my bucket list but I would love to cover I prevail and Knotfest this year.
Q: Favorite show you have attended as a fan?
A: Hands down Fall Out Boy. I am an elder emo so that show was so nostalgic and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Q: What’s the most difficult part of photojournalism?
A: Probably the imposter syndrome. I have loved going to concerts for years and the fact that I am now in the position to cover shows I was once attending, along side incredible photographers is so amazing. But I often times I catch myself being hypercritical of my work, comparing myself to to others and feeling unworthy.
Q: Who are your favorite photographers?
A: I would have to say Jeremy Saffer, Rachel Craig, Jake Chamseddine and Nicholas Rovazzini
Q: What’s in your gear bag?
A: Sony A6400, Canon to Sony EF adaptor, Sigma 18-35mm 1.8, Sigma 50-100mm 1.8, Eargasm ear plugs (use code KEYNOTEMUSIC for 10% off) , too many lens cloths that I can never seem to find, disposable masks, deodorant, hand sanitizer, and likely several crumpled up tickets.
Q: Open your playlist and hit shuffle, what’s the first song that plays?
A: “The Void“- Parkway Drive
Q: Advice for someone struggling with their mental health?
A: It gets better. I know that’s so cliché, but it does get better. You are loved and you are important! What you are feeling is valid and temporary. There’s so may resources out there and you should never feel afraid or ashamed to use them.
Follow Ash!
